Buying palms online

[James Robert]

Was going to purchase 2 pinto palms, in the 3 to 7 gal container. Was trying to buy local, but most think there trunks are filled with gold. Found afew sellers that were very reasonable, only problem, the closest is 2 hrs away.  Found an online vendor out of Florida will ship two 3 gal pinto palms for a fair price. I'm new to purchasing palms,  Do you recommend traveling the 2 hrs, vs buying onlin?

[James B]

I think there are a few factors: driving 2 hours is a bit far especially in Covid world. I understand myself as I am not interested in driving that far right now and am lucky that between Orange County and Riverside County I have several Nurseries inside an hour drive.

If the price is good, delivery is a great option. With something like Butia it is a tough hardy palm but also common. You might be able to find at your local big box store. I’d check there if you haven’t. If so, then I would not worry about them being shipped, it will survive without water for days.

[joe_OC]

All I can add is that local palms don’t need to go through an acclimation period.  Pindo palms are tough though, so it might not be an issue.

[James B]

1 minute ago, joe_OC said:

All I can add is that local palms don’t need to go through an acclimation period.  Pindo palms are tough though, so it might not be an issue.

That’s what I was thinking Joe. One of toughest palms available. There are fruiting palms in my area 15 feet tall that basically ignored yet still thrive. 

[joe_OC]

Just saw that James Robert is in  SC...I’d order them online, especially now.

[James Robert]

Thanks everyone,  You all made it simple for me to make a decision. For some reason, at 61 yr old, its hard for me to make good decisions quickly. Takes days,or weeks. 

[aztropic]

Another thing to consider though is how the order will be shipped.Lately, USPS has been terrible with delays.Hit or miss...I ordered some palm seedlings only 2 states away and package took a full 3 weeks to arrive.(palms were dead on arrival) I would highly recommend using Fedex as the shipper,but it will cost $$. Also,bare rooting palms for shipping often takes a toll on them.What have you really saved if in a month after planting, your palms are possibly dead? I would either keep looking around locally,or make the drive and bring them back growing happily in their own pots.For reference,current home depot price on a 15 gallon pindo here in AZ is $99.They currently do not have anything smaller.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[James Robert]

I wish are home depot had them. 

Will keep looking. I don't think the  vendor i was looking at sends bare root.

Will check as well. Thanks. 

[James Robert]

Thanks, to everyone,  just talking to vendor, They do ship in pots with soul, estimated transit time is 2,to 3 days. 

Before I place order, going to reach out to local seller. See if he can shake some of the gold off of two of them.. 

[James Robert]

Thanks Johnny, Talked with them already 

about that 

Here is where I'm at. Can order online from PV , 30 day guarantee, for two pindo palms, large size.(2'to 3') Delivered to door, 103.00

Or I found a seller 45 minutes away ,(27 miles). He is asking 80.00 for  one. 

4' to 5'.

Any recommendations. 

 

Edited August 13, 2020 by James Robert

[aztropic]

$80 one sounds like a much better deal.You get to see it and pick your choice.Shipped plants are probably 3 gallon.This one probably 15 gallon.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[Silas_Sancona]

13 minutes ago, aztropic said:

$80 one sounds like a much better deal.You get to see it and pick your choice.Shipped plants are probably 3 gallon.This one probably 15 gallon.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

^^ Agree 100%.. Any extra $ which might be incurred would be worth being to pick out the best possible specimen(s).. Never know, the seller might be willing to make a deal if you purchased a couple too.

[xoRudy]

Just like what @aztropic said above, here’s one of the pindos that Home Depot is selling for 99

[James Robert]

Thanks everyone,  I was on the same page, Went and picked it up today, glad I did. I'm very happy with the size. Healthy looking to me,